What Are the Basic Moves in Ballet?

Ballet

Ballet is a centuries old form of dance which has been practiced around the world. It is a highly technical art form, requiring skill and precision from its performers.

Ballet is a very popular form of dance, with many professional companies worldwide and thousands of amateur dancers taking regular classes. While ballet can be quite complex, there are some basic moves which are essential for any dancer to know.

Plié: The plié is a move in which the dancer bends their knees while keeping their back straight. This move is used to transition between steps, and can also be used to show emphasis in certain parts of choreography or even as part of the choreography itself.

Relevé: A relevé is when the dancer raises up onto their toes, often with some degree of bend at the knee depending on the context. It can be used to add height to jumps or as part of other movements such as turns and pirouettes.

Grand Jeté: The grand jeté is a powerful leap or jump in which one leg extends out from the body while the other remains bent in a plié position. This move can be used for dramatic effect or as part of a combination of steps.

Pirouette: A pirouette is a full turn on one foot, often with the arms held out in second position or first arabesque position. This move requires balance and control, and can be performed slowly or quickly depending on the choreography.

Adagio: Adagio movements are slow and graceful movements which require strength and control from the dancer. These moves often involve lifts or supported balances such as pas de chat (cat step) where one dancer supports another in an arabesque position.

Conclusion:

Ballet is a beautiful and challenging art form that requires skill and precision from its dancers. Knowing these basic moves will help any aspiring ballet dancer get started on their journey into this wonderful world of classical dance!